Louis XIV's Mark Maigaard launches a new organization that mixes bands with nonprofits

Q: For those who do not know, please name all the bands for which you’ve played.

A: First it was Dishwater, though I’ll be surprised if anyone remembers it! Next I was in Convoy for several years, then myself, and the guitarists, Brian Karscig and Jason Hill, moved on to do Louis XIV. Most recently I’ve been playing for fun in a band called Midnight Rivals.

Q: What was the best part about being in a commercially successful band?

A: Definitely getting to do some amazing worldwide tours. I got to play drums almost every night, which is one of my favorite things to do. Not many people get paid to do their favorite thing, so was that a very unique opportunity.

Q: What was the worst?

A: Probably backlash when it did occur. Unfortunately, when you become successful, there will always be a few people that call you sellouts, but our goal was just to make a living and keep doing what we loved, which was making music. Also, hanging out in airports gets old quickly.

Q: Your company makes exclusive band T-shirts: Do you have a favorite band or concert T-shirt?

A: The ones I wear the most are a Death Ray Davies T-shirt and a Rocket From the Crypt hoodie.

Q: What is something people would be surprised to find out about you?

A: Believe it or not, I left college to pursue Louis XIV and went back last year and finished my degree — SDSU alum right here!

Q: What are some of your favorite local bars?

A: Outside of where I work, I love grabbing a beer at The Whistle Stop and Hamilton’s for a casual evening. But if I’m going out for dinner too, it’s definitely Starlite.